Old vehicles' fuel restriction unfeasible, claims New Delhi
In an attempt to combat the alarming air pollution levels in New Delhi, the government introduced a fuel ban on older vehicles earlier this week. However, the ban is facing significant challenges, primarily due to technological feasibility, public backlash, and implementation difficulties.
The Delhi government cited "technological glitches" as a major concern, with malfunctioning number plate-recognising cameras and loudspeakers at fuel stations causing confusion, arguments, and public discontent. The ban affected over 62 lakh vehicles, including cars, trucks, two-wheelers, and vintage vehicles, leading to outrage among vehicle owners who see the restrictions as harsh, especially since some vehicles were barely used during the pandemic and have significant taxes already paid at purchase.
The ban also raised legal and social issues regarding the balance between public health (right to life) and people’s livelihoods, particularly impacting low-income two-wheeler and auto-rickshaw owners without transitional support.
The fuel ban was intended to reinforce existing restrictions on petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. However, authorities have concluded that unless such a ban is robustly enforced across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), it will not be effective. The Delhi government has now revoked the fuel ban on old vehicles following the backlash and is coordinating with regional pollution bodies to find alternative ways to manage emissions.
Experts suggest that improving New Delhi’s air quality will require a regional, multi-faceted approach with technological robustness, social support measures, and broader pollution control policies. Expanding the fuel ban or pollution control measures across the entire NCR, implementing more comprehensive policies, providing transitional support and incentives for vehicle owners to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, and promoting a shift to cleaner public transport are among the proposed solutions.
Cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds worsen the air pollution situation in New Delhi by trapping deadly pollutants. Each winter, vehicle and factory emissions coupled with farm fires from surrounding states wrap New Delhi in a dystopian haze. Piecemeal government initiatives, such as partial restrictions on fossil fuel-powered transport and water trucks spraying mist to clear particulate matter from the air, have failed to make a noticeable impact in reducing pollution in New Delhi.
Delhi's environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, stated that the fuel ban is not feasible due to "crucial issues related to technological glitches". He emphasised that the ban needs to be robust and implemented everywhere to be effective. The minister also expressed concern over the public discontent caused by the ban.
Despite the challenges, the fight against air pollution in New Delhi continues. The city is regularly ranked as one of the most polluted capitals globally, with vehicular emissions being one of the worst offenders. As the government and experts work towards finding solutions, the hope remains that New Delhi can breathe easier in the near future.
- To tackle New Delhi's air pollution predicament effectively, a regional, integrated strategy is called for, combining robust technological solutions, social support measures, and extensive pollution control policies, as suggested by experts.
- Amidst the fuel ban controversy, concerns about the balance between public health and people's livelihoods, particularly for low-income two-wheeler and auto-rickshaw owners without transitional support, have arisen.
- Citing crucial issues related to technological glitches, Delhi's environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, argued that the fuel ban needs to be universally implemented to be truly effective and address the public discontent it has stirred up.
